May 7th, 2012
Bar Bar Black Sheep is a popular restaurant/bar housed within a row of restored warehouses on the tree-lined river bank promenade of Robertson Quay in central Singapore. The serene setting among the trees of the pedestrian-only riverfront makes an ideal location for a relaxed, casual dining experience. Bar Bar Black Sheep at Robertson Quay opened in 2010, the second iteration of the original, similarly named outlet at Bukit Timah, and follows the same formula that has made the Bar Bar Black Sheep name synonymous with good value dining and drinks, within a relaxed, chilled out setting.
Bar Bar Black Sheep offers a wide variety of cuisines- Thai, Western and Indian – each prepared by independent “concessionary” kitchens that produce the authentic dishes of their respective culinary styles. Complimenting the food service, the drinks menu from the bar comprises a large range of cocktails, premium spirits, wines, bottled beers, and European draft beers- all at very reasonable prices. The convenient location at one end of the buzzing Robertson Quay dining and nightlife precinct attracts a steady crowd of patrons- mostly expat residents, and local Singaporeans.
The facade of the restored warehouses that front the Singapore River at Robertson Quay
Bar Bar Black Sheep is located within the end unit of the row of restored two level warehouses directly fronting onto the promenade that runs along the banks of the Singapore River at Robertson Quay. The early 20th Century warehouse has been restored without the second level flooring- providing a voluminous internal space. The interior has been designed with a restrained “industrial chic” theme of exposed brickwork, concrete flooring and minimal decorative flourishes. The dominant feature of the interior is the enormous menu blackboard hung on the red painted wall behind the bar. The three separate kitchens are aligned across the rear wall with open service counters and with individual menus boards above. Internally, there are a few small tables and a large timber communal dining table, the majority of the tables being located outdoors.
The outdoor settings include a row of smaller tables directly adjacent to the river bank, separated from the main outdoor terrace area by the promenade pathway. Seating on the terrace area in front of the building is an eclectic mix of rustic timber tables, large oak wine barrels, and high tables and tools. Large trees and parasols provide protection for some tables from the tropical sun during the daytime, and any evening rainfall.
Outdoor tables under trees and large parasols
Looking out across the bar towards the outdoor riverfront tables
The main bar inside Bar Bar Black Sheep
The drinks menu at Bar Bar Black Sheep is notable for the low prices that make it stand out in Robertson Quay- generally considered an “upmarket” dining and drinking destination. Draft European beers such as KR 1664 and Tetleys are priced at only S$11 and S$12 per pint respectively, and cocktails such as Martinis from S$10, and Mojitos at S$13 offer excellent value. The concise wine list of mostly New World wines are well priced- starting from S$42 per bottle. Champagne connoisseurs are not overlooked- Moet & Chandon is available at S$150 per bottle, and Dom Perignon Vintage 2000 at S$420. For non-alcoholic beverages- a good selection of soft drinks, juices, mocktails and coffees & teas are served.
Draft beers on tap at Bar Bar Black Sheep – at attractive prices
The three independent kitchens- Thai, Western and Indian
The three cuisines served up at Bar Bar Black Sheep are prepared in separate kitchens operated by experienced chefs representing their home regions. The Thai kitchen – “E-Sarn”- specialises in the spicy Thai dishes from northern Thailand, the Western kitchen – “The Platterz”- offers typical bistro style “comfort food” selections; and the Indian kitchen- “Sher”- features the dishes from north India.
The Thai menu offers most of the well known Thai favourites- salads such as Mango and Papaya, and the spicy Beef, Minced Chicken or Pork. The spicy soup Tom Yum Goong is a signature dish. Main courses include curries, stir-fry dishes, deep-fried fish, and noodle and rice dishes such as Pad Thai Goong and Fried Chicken Rice.
The Western menu features bar snacks / appetizers – buffalo wings, fried calamari, crispy chicken burritos. Selections of Chargrilled Burgers are popular, with Pastas- Seafood Spaghetti, Vegetarian Linguine; and Mains such as Fish & Chips recommended.
The Indian dishes feature selections from the traditional tandoori oven- Chicken Tikka, Prawn Tikka- and for sharing- the Tandoori Platter. The extensive menu also features selections of Rice and Briyani dishes, Naan breads, and Vegetarian dishes.
Menu items from the three kitchens are served in generous portions and are attractively priced- offering an appealing selection of dishes to suit all tastes.
Som Tam Esaan- Papaya Salad. From the “E-Sarn” Thai kitchen
Tom Yum Goong- Spicy Prawn soup. From the “E-Sarn” Thai kitchen
Pad Thai Goong- classic Thai dish- Rice Noodles with prawns, egg, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts. From the “E-Sarn” Thai kitchen
Kaeng Kheow Waan Gai – Thai Green Curry Chicken. From the “E-Sarn” Thai kitchen
Sauteed Mushroom & Bacon Cheeseburger. From “Platterz” Western kitchen
Tandoori Platter- Prawns, fish, chicken tikka, tandoori chicken and kebab of choice. From “Sher” North Indian kitchen
Bar Bar Black Sheep- Robertson Quay
Address: 86 Robertson Quay, #01-04 Robertson Blue, Singapore 238245
MRT: Clarke Quay & Chinatown – both approx 10 minutes walk
Reservations: +65. 6836 9255
Website: www.bbbs.com.sg
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/BarBarBlackSheep
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday 12.00 pm midday ~ 12.00 am midnight
Friday & Saturday 12:00 pm midday~ 02:00 am
Weekend Breakfast Saturday & Sunday from 9:00am
Promotions:
Happy Hour After 9:00 pm One-for-one on house-pour jugs
